Containers for Safe Storage of Used Cigarettes, Cigars, and Joints

ABSTRACT

A container for storing a used cigarette includes an insert comprising a high thermal-conductive material, sized and dimensioned to be placed at the inside bottom of the container. The insert preferably includes one or more surface features that assist in extinguishing the burning end of the cigarette.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 62/415,249, filed Oct. 31, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is containers for safe storage of used (e.g.,partially smoked) cigars, cigarettes, or marijuana joints.

BACKGROUND

Many states have legalized marijuana for medical uses, and growingnumber of states are legalizing marijuana for recreational uses as well.While it is expected that the number of recreational marijuana usersincreases, pricing for recreational marijuana is expected to remainhigh. It is becoming common for users to not smoke an entire joint inone sitting due to the cost per joint and the potency of the marijuanasold. Thus, such users attempt to save the remainder of the joint byinserting the used joint back into its container, often while still litand before the lit end has cooled. Unfortunately, this results in aportion of the container's inner wall to melt and chemicals to permeateinto the used joint, which might then be inhaled the next time the jointis lit and used.

Some efforts have been put forth to solve similar problems with storageof used cigars, by providing a container made of high thermal conductivematerials. For example, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0050167 to Woodsprovides a cigar or cigarette container having a bottom portion made ofa material having high heat conductivity. However, forming the containerwith a high heat conductivity material can both dramatically increasethe cost of the container, and preclude user-replacement of thematerial.

The priority 62/415,249 provisional application, and the Woodsapplication, are each incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that isincorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definitionof that term provided herein, the definition of that term providedherein is deemed to be controlling.

As commonly used, the term cigarette refers to a tobacco cigarette.However, as used hereinafter, the term “cigarette” means any elongatedapparatus having a mouth end and a burnable end, and used to smoketobacco, marijuana or other substance. Under this definition, bothmarijuana joints and cigars are both considered to be cigarettes. On theother hand, a typical incense stick is not considered to be a cigarettebecause it has no mouth end.

Thus, there is still a need for improved device for safe storage of usedcigarettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus and methods forcontainers for storing used cigarettes. Preferred containers include anelongated body defining a lumen, a first end defining an opening, and asecond end.

Preferred containers also advantageously include an insert that is sizedand dimensioned to be placed inside the lumen, wherein the insertcomprises a high thermal-conductive material. It is especially preferredthat the insert comprises a core portion comprising highthermal-conductive material, and a surrounding portion comprising a lowthermal-conductive material. In this manner, the insert comprising thecore portion comprising high-thermal conductive material extinguishesused cigars, cigarettes, or marijuana joints, and the surroundingportion comprising a low thermal-conductive material reduces exposure ofthe container to heat damage from the heat emanated by the burnable endused cigarettes.

As used herein, the term “high thermal-conductive material” means anymaterial that has a thermal conductivity of more than 50 Watts permeter-K°. Preferred high thermal-conductive materials have thermalconductivity of more than 100 Watts per meter-K°, and more preferredhigh thermal-conductive materials have thermal conductivity of more than200 Watts per meter-K°, all measured at STP one atmosphere, 20° C. Thus,high thermal-conductive materials include metals (e.g., aluminum,copper, etc.), thermally conductive gels, and thermally conductivegreases, and carbon nanotubes.

As used herein, the term “low thermal-conductive material” means anymaterial that has thermal conductivities of less than 50 Watts permeter-K°. Preferred low thermal-conductive materials have thermalconductivity of less than 10 Watts per meter-K°, and more preferred lowthermal-conductive materials have thermal conductivity of more than 1Watts per meter-K°, all measured at STP one atmosphere, 20° C. Thus, lowthermal conductivity materials include acrylic glass, polyurethane foam,silica aerogel, wood, natural fiber, rubber, and cork.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the container, havingan insert with a rounded bottom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cupped insert with aflat bottom.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an insert with topand bottom portions coupled by a spring.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternative an insert with a bump orfinger to facilitate extinguishment of a burning end of the cigarette.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternative insert having twoorthogonally intersecting raised surface features.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an alternative insert having a raisedand curved surface feature.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tall insert

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of propertiessuch as dimensions used to describe and claim certain embodiments of theinvention are to be understood as being modified in some instances bythe term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numericalparameters set forth in the written description and attached claims areapproximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments,the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention areapproximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examplesare reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presentedin some embodiments of the invention can contain certain errorsnecessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus and methods in which acontainer for storing used cigarettes has a replaceable insert.

In FIG. 1 container 100 generally includes an elongated body 105 with atop end 115 and a bottom end 125, and a replaceable insert 135positioned at or near the bottom end. In this particular embodiment,there is a top lid 110 and a bottom lid 130. The elongated body 105 issized and dimensioned to store at least one conventionally sized cigar,cigarette, or marijuana joint. The elongated body 105 is preferably atleast 2 inches long, more preferably at least 3 inches long, and stillmore preferably at least 4 inches long.

The elongated body 105 defines a lumen 120. As used herein, a “lumen” isthe interior space within a structure. In some embodiments, the shape ofthe lumen 120 depends on the shape of the elongated body 105. Forexample, the elongated body 105 can be in a tubular shape, a twistedtubular shape, a cuboid shape, and/or a triangular prism shape, and theshape of the lumen 120 can be shaped to match the elongated body 105. Inother embodiments, the shape of the lumen 120 can be independent fromthe shape of the elongated body 105. For example, where the elongatedbody 105 has a tubular shape, the lumen 120 could have a cuboid shape,or vice versa.

Elongated body 105 can comprise any suitable type of materials orstructures. Low thermal conductive materials are preferred, providedthey are lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and when utilized in athin-walled structure (preferably less than 2 mm thick), aresufficiently sturdy to be carried in a pocket or purse withoutsignificant reduction in the lumen, such as by denting, crushing orbending. Contemplated such materials for the elongated body 105 includeone or more rigid plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.), andfibers (e.g., synthetic fiber, glass fiber, etc.), all of which arerelatively stiff and inexpensive.

Elongated body 105 could also include a metal (e.g., aluminum, copper,platinum, metal alloys, etc.) or other high thermal conductivematerial(s), however, use of such materials in the elongated body arethought to be disadvantageous because they would tend to conduct heatfrom the burning or recently burning end of the cigarette to the hand ofthe person holding the container 100. If such high thermal conductivematerial(s) are used in the elongated body 105, it is desirable for themetal to have an outer layer of low thermal conductive material(s).

In some embodiments, the elongated body 105 comprises one or morebiodegradable materials so that the container 100 can be disposable inan eco-friendly manner. As used herein, “biodegradable” means a materialor collection of materials that will break down to at least 90% H₂O, CO₂and biomass within a period of six months from the action of naturallyoccurring micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.) underfavorable conditions. For example, meat, plants, wood, cotton, animalprotein, paper, are all deemed herein to be biodegradable. Thus, whileindividual components of an object might not be deemed biodegradable,the object itself will be deemed biodegradable if the components arebiodegradable overall.

Elongated body 105 can be manufactured in any suitable manner, butpreferably by injection molding, because of low cost and rapidproduction.

The container 100 includes at least one opening 117 at the top end 115.The opening 117 is sized and dimensioned to receive at least oneconventionally sized cigarette. For example, the area of the opening 117can be at least 3 cm², square inch, preferably at least 4 cm², and morepreferably at least 6 cm².

The inside bottom of containers preferably matches the bottom of insertsused in those containers. Thus, where the inside bottom of a containeris flat, preferred inserts also have a flat bottom. Where the insidebottom of a container is concave, as in FIG. 1, preferred inserts 135have a mating convex bottom. The inside bottom of containers couldalternatively be bumpy, or have some other shape, but such shapes arenot preferred.

Insert 135 can be deployed inside the lumen 120 in any suitable manner.Where the container 100, has only a single (top) opening, insert 135 canbe deployed by simply dropping or pushing the insert 135 into the lumen120 after the container 100 is formed. Insert 135 can have an adhesiveon a bottom side, so that when the insert 135 is dropped into, or pushedto, the bottom of the container, the insert 135 will stick on thebottom. Where the container 100 has a bottom lid 130, as in FIG. 1, thebottom lid 130 can be opened, and the insert can be manually adhereddirectly to the top surface of the bottom lid 130. Containers havingbottom lids are advantageous in that inserts can be readily replaced byopening the bottom lid, and replacing the insert.

Insert 135 should be sized and dimensioned to be placed at the bottomend 125 of the container 100, although inserts are contemplated that arecup shaped, or otherwise sufficiently oversized relative to thedimensions of the bottom of the container such that sides of the insertextend upwards a mm or more from the bottom. Thus, contemplated insertsneed not be deployed completely flat along the bottom of the container.

The insert 135 preferably employs a low thermal conductive material ofsufficient thickness to prevent excessive heat from contacting orotherwise interacting with the wall of the container 100, therebypreventing exposure of the container's inner surface to excessive heat,which could otherwise damage the container 100. In addition, the insert135 can act as a heat sink, by reducing the temperature of the burningportion of the cigarette when an unfinished cigarette touches the insert135.

Container 100 can further include a top lid 110 that can be coupled withthe top end 115 of the container 100, and a bottom lid 130 that can becoupled with the bottom end 125 of the container 100. In someembodiments, the top lid 110 and the bottom lid 130 are connected to thetop end 115 or the bottom end 125 via a connector 116 and connector 126,respectively.

In some embodiments, the insert 135 is configured to engage with thebottom lid 125 such that the insert 135 cannot be flipped or unstablyplaced inside the lumen 120 of the container 100. Any suitableengagement mechanisms can be used. For example, the insert 135 and thebottom lid 125 can be engaged via a female member on the insert 135 andthe male member on the bottom lid 125. In another example, the insert135 and the bottom lid 125 comprise magnetic materials such that theinsert 135 can magnetically attach to the bottom lid 130 when the insert135 is dropped into the lumen 120.

While one embodiment of the insert 135 can comprise only highthermal-conductive materials, it is also contemplated that, in someembodiments, an insert 135 can comprise layers of a highthermal-conductive material and a low thermal-conductive material. FIG.2 shows an example of such embodiments. In these embodiments, the insert200 includes a top surface 215, which faces the top end 115 of thecontainer, and a bottom surface 220, which faces the bottom end 125 ofthe container when the insert is placed in the container.

Insert 200 is cup shaped, having a core compartment 210 and a raised rim205. Preferably, the core compartment 210 comprises materials withhigher thermal conductivity than the materials of the rim 205. Forexample, the core compartment 210 of the insert 200 comprises highthermal-conductive materials (e.g., metals, thermal-conductive gels,thermal-conductive grease, etc.), the rim 205 comprises lowthermal-conductive materials. The rim 205 comprising low heat-conductivematerials can reduce heat transmission from the core compartment 210 tothe elongated body 105 and/or the bottom end 125 (or the bottom lid 130)of the container 100 so that structural integrity of the elongated body105 and/or bottom end 125 (or the bottom lid) is not significantlystructurally compromised by the high temperature of the burning portionof the used cigarette.

In a preferred embodiment, the core compartment 210 comprises at least50%, preferably at least 70%, and more preferably at least 80% of thesurface area of the top surface 215 to provide sufficient space tocontact the burning portion of the used cigarette when the usedcigarette is received by the container 100 through the top end 115. Inthis embodiment, the core compartment 210 can comprise the same surfacearea of the bottom surface 215 as the top surface. However, it is alsocontemplated that the core compartment 210 can comprise less surfacearea (e.g., less than 70%, less than 50%, and less than 30% of thesurface area of the bottom surface 220, etc.). In some embodiments, thecore compartment 210 is not exposed at all on the bottom surface 220 ofthe insert so that the bottom lid or the bottom end 125 of the containercan be protected from the heat dispersed to the core compartment 210from the burning portion of the cigarette.

In yet another embodiment, insert 135 can have a spring-like portion orcoil formed from a conductive material, which can radiate heat withoutexposing the container 100 to excessive heat. In such embodiments,exemplified in FIG. 3, the spring-like portion or coil can be bounded bytop and bottom plates, with the top plate comprising a highthermal-conductive material the bottom plate comprising a lowthermal-conductive material. Heat from the burning portion of the usedcigarette would thereby be transferred to the spring-like portion orcoil for dissipation.

Alternative inserts can include a top surface feature configured toseparate out portions of the burning end of the cigarette, in a mannerthat tends to facilitate extinction of the burn. For example, in FIG.4A, insert 435A has a short finger or bump that would extend into aburning end of a cigarette when the cigarette is pushed down into acontainer (as for example container 100). FIG. 4B depicts an alternativeinsert 435B that, instead of the finger or bump, comprises a structureof two orthogonally intersecting raised surface features, which vary inheight from a maximum in the center to lesser heights at the ends of thefeatures. FIG. 4C depicts yet another alternative insert 435C, having araised “S” or other curved surface feature. These and other contemplatedsurface features preferably have a maximum height of 2-3 mm.

Whatever type of insert is used, it is considered advantageous for theinsert to comprise one or more high thermal-conductive materials. Suchmaterials are intended to disperse the heat from the burning end of thecigarette, and thereby also facilitate extinction of the burn.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the insert 500. In this embodiment,the insert 500 is a canister-type insert, which has an open upper end530, a closed lower end 535, and a side wall 505 defining a lumen 520with the closed lower end 535. The side wall 505 and the lower end 535include an inner layer 515 and an outer layer 510. In a preferredembodiment, the inner layer 515 comprises high heat-conductive materialsand the outer layer 510 comprises low heat-conductive materials. Thisembodiment of the insert 500 can protect sidewalls of the container frombeing directly contacted by the burning portion of a cigarette, thusinsert 500 can protect a large container configured to contain multipleused cigarettes.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . .and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element fromthe group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for storing a used cigarette,comprising: an elongated body that defines a lumen having a bottom; andan insert comprising a high thermal-conductive material, the insertsized and dimensioned to be positioned at the bottom of the lumen. 2.The container of claim 1, wherein the elongated body comprises a plasticmaterial.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the body has an open end,and a lid configured to close the open end.
 4. The container of claim 3,wherein the body has a closable end, and a lid configured to mate withthe closable end.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the body has anopen end, sized and dimensioned to receive each of the used cigarette,and the insert.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the insertcomprises a core portion and a surrounding portion, wherein the coreportion comprises the high thermal-conductive material, and thesurrounding portion comprises a low thermal-conductive material.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 6, wherein the low thermal-conductive material isselected from the group consisting of: wood, cork, an acrylic glass, anatural fiber, a rubber, a polyurethane, and a silica aerogel.
 8. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a raised top surfacefeature.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises aspring.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert has an adhesivebottom.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein the highthermal-conductive material comprises a metal.